Happy first Tuesday of 2022! It doesn’t matter if it’s June or January…Tuesday is the day I plan my menu and plan some “play”! We had a wonderful Christmas – very quiet, just the family (hubby and I are now Empty Nesters but our son and daughter came to stay for a couple of days) – and sadly we weren’t able to travel to Edinburgh to see my Mum. But we are moving onwards and upwards and, as usual, I’m reaching out to a couple of my friends in Copenhagen to arrange dates for us to connect in January. Winters are long and dark here, so I find that a weekly “check-in” with a friend helps to lighten my spirits and keep the winter blahs at bay. It can be meeting up for a winter seaswim, a quick chat over a cup of coffee or a “walk and talk” in the park together. Anything goes!
In food news, we are working through what we have in our fridge/freezer/pantry this month and I am only buying absolute necessities. I’m always a “canny Scot” but I enjoy being creative in January and using up what we already have – “shopping my cupboards/freezer/fridge”. Saves money and saves food waste! So, without further ado, here’s what’s on the menu this week at Casa Copenhagen!
- will be making a big pot of carrot soup as we seem to have a huge backlog of them (usually make it with a little orange/ginger but will be trying this recipe which is made in the Instant Pot with coconut milk, sriracha and coriander)
- scallops (from the freezer) with chili sauce and green asparagus served with rice
- honey/mustard glazed ham (frozen leftovers from Christmas) with a veggie stir fry
- homemade Chicken Parmesan (chicken fillets from the freezer, breaded with breadcrumbs and parmesan, baked in the oven on a bed of tomato sauce) with tagliatelle and spinach
- homemade build-your-own-beef-burgers (minced beef from the freezer) with oven baked potato wedges/sweet potato wedges for me and salad
- risotto made in my Instant Pot with butternut squash, sage and parmesan (I froze a bag of chopped butternut squash the last time we made it)
- gnocchi with mushrooms and bacon (both from the freezer) in a garlic cream sauce and topped with rucola
- as was the case before both of our kids moved out into their own flats, one day of the week for us is usually leftovers, a frittata/quiche made with any veggies which need using up, risotto or Danish smørrebrød (rye bread open sandwiches with various toppings) or the very occasional takeaway
- and I’ll be making this yummy Danish cake – mazarinkage – at the weekend because I stocked up on marzipan when it was on offer in December! Very easy to make (using a mixer). Keeps for days and is great in small slices with a cup of coffee or along with some fruit salad…
Remember to K.I.S.S. – Keep it simple, Sweetie! And remember when you’re planning your menu this week to plan a little bit of fun for yourself and your family!
LLAP! Hugs! Diane
Need more menu planning inspiration? See my recipes and crafts playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxIYCyTLBED8ZP5_UDGRXUAvbPiuxOh95